Hydration Characteristics of Bagasse in Cement-Bonded Composites

Abstract

Abstract Four co mpatib ility assessment methods were used to ascertain the co mpatibility of bagasse with cement composite. The time to reach maximu m hydration temperature was achieved when CaCl 2 and water above 60℃ were used as treatment agents. Maximu m hydration temperature between 55℃ -61℃ were achieved when treated with 1 -3% CaCl 2 . The inhibitory index value of 1.58% -8.83% were achieved when treated with bagasse while others have value greater than the acceptable parameter standard for exterior use. The maximu m hydration rate of 4.0 was achieved when the bagasse fiber was treated with 3% CaCl 2 and this was closely follo wed by 2% CaCl 2 at 3.38. These results showed that all the different compatibility assessment parameters adopted indicated that bagasse was inco mpatible with Port land cement without pre-treat ment. Treat ment of bagasse with cold water and addition of 2% CaCl 2 satisfied all requirements for co mpatibility in terms of time to reach maximu m temperature, the maximu m hydration temperature and the inhibitory index value. Treatment with CaCl 2 gave the best result probably due to its capacity to minimize the adverse effect of the soluble sugars and extractives and also to accelerate cement hardening and setting. This result shows that treated bagasse is compatible with cement bonded composite for construction purposes